WATCH: Mathew Barzal Shows off Stickhandling Ability Prior to Matchup vs. Panthers

SUNRISE, FL — There’s a reason why Mathew Barzal has the puck handling abilities that he does. The 24-year-old is constantly working on his craft.

That was evident on Saturday afternoon hours before the New York Islanders faced off with the Florida Panthers. Barzal was seen on the ice in a hat, hoodie and flip flops dangling the puck near the boards as another Islanders player stood in the tunnel watching on.

The moment was captured by Florida Hockey Now’s Colby Guy.

It appears that #Isles star Mathew Barzal is on the ice in a hoodie and flip flops working on his stick handling.

Man, this kid is fun to watch. pic.twitter.com/tOeNsxhkDp

— Colby Guy (@ColbyDGuy) October 16, 2021

Mathew Barzal already has a goal after one game into the new season and has played well with Anders Lee back on his wing and Kyle Palmieri on the right side of him. Lee also scored in the season opener and Palmieri had assists on both goals.

“It was obviously nice to get a few tonight,” Barzal said on Thursday. “Early in a season, you want to start feeling good about your game. I thought our line tonight was pretty good. … Overall it was a decent game by us, but in terms of our line, yeah, there’s some good stuff there.”

Barzal’s stickhandling and puckhandling have made him a human highlight reel over the course of his NHL career.